Neal Opening Statement at Full Committee Markup

(As prepared for delivery) 

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 

Families have had it with the harm of Republican leadership and the broken promises of a President who only looks out for himself. Since January of last year, House Republicans in this Committee and this Congress have surrendered their responsibility as an equal branch of government, twisting themselves into an arm of the White House and allowing President Trump to walk all over them, seize their power, and force them to advance dangerous policies that are hurting their constituents. 

We just watched the price of record-high diesel climb even higher. Major retailers are being forced to ration oil sales because of how Trump is squeezing them. Inflation, fueled by Trump’s war and tariffs, continues to wipe out wage gains and send consumer sentiment to the pits. And yet, as we sit here for the last meeting of Committee business for at least seven weeks, Republicans still haven’t put anything in front of us to put a stop to the economic fallout. The cost of their inaction grows by the day.

Stunningly, Republicans have looked at this reality, yet again decided to forfeit the prerogative of the Committee, and move forward with legislation to supercharge the president's tariff authority. Raising tariffs up to 100%! And more than $8,000 in higher costs to the average household according to analysis from the Yale Budget Lab. To my colleagues, can families in your district afford that?

It’s not that the opportunities to bring relief haven’t been there. Republicans have been given chance after chance to work with Democrats to turn off the tariffs, end Trump’s war, and lower health care costs. They’ve turned away every time. 

Now, the people are living with the consequences: record high prices at the gas pump, in the doctor’s office, at the grocery store, and everywhere else they turn. Meanwhile, the President is nearly $5 billion richer and let Russian oligarchs bankroll his son’s wedding.

Americans aren’t asking for much, and it’s outrageous Republicans have let it get this bad. All they want is for their wages to start keeping up with prices again. Manufacturers, farmers, and ranchers want markets where they can compete. 

Were any Republicans here even consulted on the President’s latest bribe? Instead of doing the hard work of governing, this President can only provide gimmicks. It’s a lot easier to dangle a fake check in front of Americans and hope it numbs the pain long enough to get through November. 

We’ve seen this playbook before. Trump promised $2,000 tariff dividends. Then it was the $5,000 DOGE checks. And the $1,000 meant to paper over rising health care costs. How many times do Republicans think they can make these promises without delivering?

Republicans have had the power to make life easier and more affordable. Instead, families are paying more, opportunities are shrinking, and wages aren’t keeping up. 

Families want something different, and Democrats are fighting for a path that puts their needs first. One where making their lives better matters more than ballrooms, helipads, wars, and the President’s own pocket.

###